EVERTON’S £8.6m bid to sign Dutch international Leroy Fer is hanging in the balance after an injury revealed during the midfielder’s medical forced talks with FC Twente to stall.
The 23-year-old suffered serious knee damage playing for the Netherlands in September which left him sidelined for almost two months, and Blues officials fear there could be long-term problems.
It is understood that Everton’s concerns prompted them to propose a compromise deal to sign the former Feyenoord player, who they had been ready to offer a four and a half-year contract.
It is believed the Blues want protection in the deal which would see some of the £8.6m being based on appearances, but Twente have dug their heels in and refused to re-negotiate.
If no agreement can be reached today Everton are reluctant to let the impasse drag into the final 24 hours of the transfer window, and are likely to pursue other targets instead.
Fer had already spoken of his excitement at joining the Toffees and had been on Merseyside for final talks and his medical, but returned to his homeland for the time being last night.
Speaking to journalists in Holland, Twente chairman Joop Munsterman underlined the club’s position when he said: “Everton have additional requirements on the method of payment. Here we do not agree. It’s stuck. We don’t play that game at Twente. They can come up with any demand they wish but we’re not playing along with their demands.”
David Moyes had yesterday been reluctant to discuss the move for Fer in detail during his press conference ahead of tonight’s clash with Wes Brom.
He did, however, dismiss speculation that the potential arrival of Fer had been lined up as a replacement for Marouane Fellaini.
He said: “I read something like that and that is the biggest load of tosh I have heard. That is nonsense whoever wrote or said it. They are different types of players.
“That is not the reason for bringing him here that is for sure.”
Moyes is at least set to have some good news regarding his injured personnel for the game this evening. Forward Kevin Mirallas could be fit to start despite being replaced after 20 minutes against Bolton on Saturday when he complained of a flare-up with his hamstring injury, and midfielder Darron Gibson could be fit for the bench.
The Blues boss will also again consider whether to drop out-of-form striker Nikica Jelavic and start with Victor Anichebe and Mirallas in attack.
